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Imaginal retraining reduces alcohol craving in problem drinkers: A randomized controlled trial
Steffen Moritz1, Alia Marie Paulus1, Birgit Hottenrott1
1Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
Summary
Imaginal retraining significantly reduced alcohol craving in individuals with alcohol use disorder. This personalized psychological intervention showed promising results, though long-term effects and higher attrition rates require further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Addiction Research
Background:
- Retraining is a psychological intervention based on the approach-avoidance paradigm.
- Previous studies on retraining for addiction treatment have yielded mixed results.
- An imaginal variant of retraining was developed to enhance content personalization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of an imaginal retraining intervention for alcohol use disorder.
- To assess the impact of personalized imaginal retraining on alcohol craving and related variables.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted with 84 participants reporting alcohol-related problems.
- Participants were allocated to either imaginal retraining (delivered via email) or a wait-list control group.
- The primary outcome was alcohol craving measured by a visual analogue scale (VAS) over a four-week intervention period.
Main Results:
- Imaginal retraining significantly reduced alcohol craving compared to the control group, with a large effect size.
- Improvements in self-esteem were observed in the retraining group.
- 75% of participants in the treatment group reported reduced alcohol consumption, versus no change in the control group.
Conclusions:
- Imaginal retraining demonstrates significant efficacy in reducing alcohol craving.
- Further research is needed to establish long-term effects and explore optimal treatment components.
- Future studies should consider active control groups and objective measures of alcohol consumption.
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